Board of Directors Front Row (L to R):  Fred Nightingale (Treasurer), Phil Fuhr (President), Glenn Saddoris (Vice President),                     Jon Woodburn (Secretary) Standing:  Dennis Van Daele, Steve Bush, Jay Bohnsack, Tom Vroman, Jim Coyne, Marty McManus,            Stan Woodburn, Chuck Calvert, Greg Boruff Absent from this picture is:  Gary Blanchard and Mike Thompson

History
     Farm Bureau is a membership organization controlled by farmers who join through their county Farm Bureau. Illinois Farm Bureau was founded in 1916 by a group of farmers who met at the University of Illinois to discuss the need for education, better information, and more effective farming practices.
     Early on, Farm Bureau was involved in passing legislation and lobbying lawmakers about agricultural issues. At the same time, county Farm Bureaus provided a professional staff in accessible locations around the state. Farm Bureau Today
     Today, county Farm Bureaus, such as Rock Island County Farm Bureau, are still involved with legislation dealing with agricultural issues. Many more programs have been added to ensure the message of agriculture’s importance is maintained is communities all over Illinois.
     Rock Island County Farm Bureau’s mission is to be a positive voice for agriculture, providing resources that enhance the economic success and quality of life for rural and urban communities. This is accomplished through membership at the county level by the number of quality programs commissioned by the County Farm Bureau Board of Directors you can see on the Committees & Programs link to the left.

DeAnne Bloomberg has served as Manager of the Rock Island County Farm Bureau since December of 1998. DeAnne is a 1990 graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in Public Service and Administration in Agriculture. She is a native of rural DeWitt, Iowa. She credits her parents for instilling in her an appreciation for agriculture while growing up the youngest of six siblings on the farm in Clinton County.      Prior to Rock Island County, DeAnne served as the Henry County Farm Bureau manager for 5 ½ years and Boone County for 2 years. DeAnne and her husband, Brent, make their home at Brent’s family farm in Henry County.

DeAnne Bloomberg Manager email: ricfb@qconline.com